The EmPower+ program provides no-cost energy efficiency solutions to income-eligible New Yorkers. Nearly 256,000 of your neighbors are saving energy and saving money with EmPower+ — without spending a dime. Whether you own your home or rent, Energy Savers Inc. can assess if your home would benefit from free energy upgrades such as:
- A home energy assessment to identify areas of possible energy improvements
- Installation of high-efficiency lighting
- Attic and wall insulation
- Replacement of old, inefficient refrigerators and freezers
Additionally, the Home Electrification Appliance Rebate (HEAR) funding through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has expanded the incentives available:
- Air sealing, insulation, and ventilation: Up to $1,600
- Electrical service upgrade (panel box): $4,000
- Electrical wiring upgrade: $2,500
- Heat pump water heaters: $1,750
- Heat pumps: $8,000
Refer to the table to the right for income guidelines.
EmPower New York Income Eligibility Guidelines 2023
| Household Size | Maximum Gross Monthly Income | Maximum Gross Annual Income |
| 1 | $2,852 | $34,224 |
| 2 | $3,730 | $44,760 |
| 3 | $4,608 | $55,296 |
| 4 | $5,485 | $65,820 |
| 5 | $6,363 | $76,356 |
| 6 | $7,241 | $86,892 |
| 7 | $7,405 | $88,860 |
| 8 | $7,570 | $90,840 |
| 9 | $7,734 | $92,808 |
| 10 | $7,899 | $94,788 |
Clean Heat Program – Save on Heat Pump Installation
The NYS Clean Heat program is a comprehensive initiative designed to promote the adoption of energy-efficient heat pump technologies for heating and cooling homes and businesses in New York State. Rebate amounts vary depending on the type of system and the customer’s location, and new heat pump systems must be designed to meet 100% of the heating load of a home. Rebates can reduce installation costs by at least 25%, and cover the following systems:
- Air Source Heat Pumps
- Air-to-Water Heat Pumps
- Ground Source Heat Pumps
- Heat Pump Water Heaters
Do You Qualify to Receive Clean Heat Rebates?
There are only two qualifications to meet in order to receive these rebates for heat pump installation:
- You must be replacing an existing furnace, boiler, or water heater with eligible heat pump equipment
- You must be a NYSEG/RG&E electric customer or a combination natural gas and electric customer (natural gas only customers don’t qualify)
Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®
Each year, New York State homeowners waste hundreds of dollars in energy. Many feel powerless in the face of high energy bills and are unaware of what they can do to control these costs. The Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program makes it easy and affordable to make the smart investment in a more energy-efficient home, helping income-eligible homeowners across the State lower their energy bills and live more comfortably all year long.
It provides those who qualify with a discount covering 50% of the cost of eligible energy efficiency improvements up to $5,000 per project for single-family homes. Two- to four-unit residential homes with income-eligible residents may qualify for a discount of up to $10,000.
Assisted Home Performance Onondaga County Income Eligibility Guidelines 2022
| Household Size | Maximum Gross Monthly Income | Maximum Gross Annual Income |
| 1 | $4,150 | $49,800 |
| 2 | $4,973 | $59,680 |
| 3 | $6,144 | $73,728 |
| 4 | $7,313 | $87,760 |
| 5 | $8,484 | $101,808 |
| 6 | $9,654 | $115,856 |
| 7 | $9,873 | $118,480 |
| 8 | $10,093 | $121,120 |
| 9 | $10,312 | $123,744 |
| 10 | $10,532 | $126,384 |
Tax Credits Available for Insulation and HVAC Upgrades
Homeowners who trust Energy Savers to improve their home comfort and efficiency can also take a tax credit equalling 30% of the cost of insulation, air sealing, and heat pump installations, with a maximum of $1,200 per year for insulation, air sealing, and traditional HVAC improvements, and a separate $2,000 limit for heat pumps.
The total annual credit is capped at $3,200. The credit is available for improvements made between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2032, and applies only to existing homes that serve as the homeowner’s principal residence. Homeowners can claim the credit annually using IRS Form 5695, with no lifetime limit, allowing for continued improvements over multiple years. New construction and rental properties are not eligible.
